infrasound

[ in-fruh-sound ]

noun

1. sound with frequencies below the audible range.

infrasound

/ ˈɪnfrəˌsaʊnd; ˌɪnfrəˈsɒnɪk /

noun

1. soundlike waves having a frequency below the audible range, that is, below about 16Hz

infrasound

/ ĭn′frə-sound′ /

1. Sound whose wave frequency is too low (under 15–20 hertz) to be heard by humans. Some animals, such as elephants and whales, emit calls at infrasound frequencies.
2. See Note at ultrasound

Derived Forms

• infrasonic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of infrasound¹

First recorded in 1925–30; infra- + sound ¹

Example Sentences

Infrasound is used to indicate when an explosion has occurred, but the technique doesn’t differentiate between ash versus gas in eruptions.

From Science News